I don't know if this is an appropriate question for this group, but I have been homeschooling for 15 years now and am seriously looking at the Charlotte Mason philosophy of learning. I have two older children, now in college, and three ages 13, 11 & 7. Something that I noticed about my older children (especially the oldest because of the different personalities) is that they have quite an attachment to the computer. That is how they communicate, and also listening quite a bit to music.
I am feeling led to change my style of teaching from a mostly -let's get through the books and we're done for the day, to a love of learning no matter what we are doing. This definitely lacked with the two older and I wonder if that is why the computer addiction could even happen. We definitely had restrictions to how much time they could spend, but wondered why we would even need the restrictions.
My 13 year old is now asking if she can have an email. I feel so uneasy about it, and just saying no doesn't seem right either. I wonder if you could offer any suggestions, maybe experiences in this area. Could using the CM method take so much of there time and develop their minds in such a way that this desire might naturally disappear?
Thanks so much,
Annette Yates
looking for some advice
(7 posts) (4 voices)-
ayates
MemberPosted 3 years ago # Report Post -
It sort of depends on what they are doing with the computer. Instead of removing the desire maybe it could be channeled into productive things and balanced with other activities.
For example, we've encouraged our kids to take advantage of technology at very early ages. They all have their own e-mail, instant messaging accounts, and Web sites. Of course, that all started with filtering and our training to be safe on the Internet.
Now as teens, they have acquired skills that will help them in life and careers. They have taken to things like computer programming, Web design, graphic design, 3-D modeling, video editing, online marketing, and writing. They regularly use the Internet for studying, taking courses, research, project planning, and writing collaboratively with others who live in other parts of the country.
Our children have developed creativity and a love of learning that is often expressed in how they use technology. In fact, some of what everyone enjoys here at SCM are fruits of their skills.
Posted 3 years ago # Report Post -
mj
MemberDoug-I'm so glad they have the skills because I'm enjoying the fruit!!
Do you have any advice on specific resources you've used to help them? Or do they just dig in and learn by doing it? I'd love to help our children more but my own skills in this area are limited and I don't find a lot of time in my schedule right now to devote to it.Annette--We've also got several who love technology! As Doug mentioned, channeling this in a productive way is key. I've found the more we help them do this, the more cooperative they are in the areas of school that don't involve electronic devices. And, it turns out I'm probably learning more from them about computers than they are from me!!
Posted 3 years ago # Report Post -
We've looked where their interests were leaning then found opportunities to shape those in a productive way. We made it up as we went along so I don't really have much for specific resources. If it's an area we don't know about then we help point them in the right direction to do the research themselves. Sometimes it's as simple as providing some tools and direction then getting out of the way.
Some examples:
- One child showed a great interest in filmmaking. He was using a still camera to make stop-motion animated movies of toys because we didn't have a video camera. When he showed some skill we invested in a low-cost video camera and editing software. It's turned out to be his passion and likely career path.
- Some of our children love maps and globes. We downloaded the free Google Earth software and turned them loose. They pull it up now and then just to explore.
- Some of our children became interested in 3-D modeling, animation, and special effects. This was driven by the movie making fun. We downloaded the free Blender software and pointed them to some getting started tutorials. That also led to learning Photoshop and other design tools.
- All of our children devour books. Some really like exploring nature. We encouraged them to create their own Web sites with blogs about those things so they would have an outlet to write about them. I set it up initially but they've learned Web design along the way. We've picked up some books on the topic along the way.
- Some started picking up computer programming because I'm a geek and it just rubbed off.
We picked up some books too.- As I type this, three of our children are playing musical instruments. They looked up some hymns and folk tunes arranged for each instrument on the Internet from resources we helped them find.
Does that help?
Posted 3 years ago # Report Post -
mj
MemberThat helps a lot! We have one who is into the movie making 'hobby' as well. He did the exact same thing with our digital camera and the toys that you stated. He saved up enough money and bought himself a low cost video camera and unfortunately his little sister dropped it down the stairs. He was very forgiving and she paid him back, but he hasn't been able to find another one in as good of condition for that cost yet. We'll have to look into some editing software and see how that goes.
"Providing some tools and direction then getting out of the way" is a great reminder. The old "you're not doing enough" thought pops in my head sometimes and before I know it, I'm yielded to it...ugh
Thanks again. I really enjoyed reading about the different interests in your family.
mj
Posted 3 years ago # Report Post -
csmamma
MemberI'm lovin this post since we have a 13yo geek in the house!
Doug, do you recommend any type of internet filtering system? We are on a trial period with SafeEyes. Anyone use this? Do you recommend filters; why or why not?
Thanks, Heather
Posted 3 years ago # Report Post -
I do like filters, even if just to avoid what you might get from accidentally clicking a link or something that turns up in a search result.
We've mostly just used the parental controls that are built into the Macintosh operating system so I don't have a feeling for how well any of the other products on the market work. I've also used OpenDNS. If you sign up for a free account you can turn on some filtering. The setup can be a little geeky, though.
Posted 3 years ago # Report Post
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